(From left) Lip, Yee, Lee, Gasconye, Freida and Yeo are some of the artists taking part in the exhibition at GMBB Mall in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
FORTY artists from diverse backgrounds are showcasing 320 pieces at GMBB Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
With the theme “Kita”, the Malay word for “us”, the exhibition aims to celebrate unity in diversity and the power of artistic expression to bridge cultural divides.
Inspired Fine Art principal Yeo Eng Peng said the exhibition allowed artists to share their unique perspective, reflecting different viewpoints of a shared idea.
“Our theme isn’t restricted to just the three primary races in Malaysia but instead gives a platform for participants to interpret their meaning of ‘kita’.
“For some, it might be relationships and for others, sceneries or memories of their travels.
Freida says most of her paintings include elements from her life.
“I think it will be interesting to see how different people relate to this theme.
“This is just one aspect of the beauty of art,” he said.
Inspired Fine Art student and Cempaka International School founder Datuk Freida Pilus said her personal life and love for nature always play a big role in her creations.
“Family is very important to me, and nature as well. So in most of my paintings I include elements of my life, like my home or mother, along with landscapes.
“I’ve made so many great friends through art and I think it’s great that as Malaysians, we come together to do something and appreciate our diversity,” she said.
Top Glove Corporation Bhd director Datuk Lee Kim Meow, who also attends classes at the art centre in SS2 Petaling Jaya, said art brought about a sense of community and fulfilment.
Yeo says the art centre hopes the exhibition provides a platform to encourage dialogue and connection.
“There’s a sense of companionship because you joke with each other, you poke fun at the art teachers and there’s always laughter.
“But in between the laughing it is also serious, because with art, like everything else, you need to put in the effort.
“I think Malaysians appreciation of art is still not as deep compared to other countries.
“Supporting emerging artists through events like this exhibition is important,” said Lee.
Landscape architect Michael Lip, who started lessons at 70, said he found art to be inspiring and that it has helped to give him a fresh outlook on life.
Lee says the exhibition is especially interesting because of the diverse backgrounds of participating artists.
“My wife joined first and then I joined her in 2019. In the autumn of our lives, it makes us feel young again and provides an avenue for us to try different things,” he said.
Another student, Alice Yee, said she was encouraged by opportunities to create.
“We all should do something that represents us.
“There are so many things out there to do but when we’re able to create something that is associated with us and our own stories, that’s different,” said Yee.
International student Mickey Gasconye said through the community, she was exposed not just to art but the culture of Malaysians.
Gasconye recalled how she came to Malaysia four years ago and after taking lessons at the art centre, was able to meet different people.
Yeo said the centre hoped to encourage dialogue and connection, highlighting that diversity is what binds us as a nation.
The exhibition was launched by Malaysian Women Graduates Association patron Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong.
On July 29, Euroasia Association of Performing Arts patron Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz will be attending the “Royal Guest Tour.”
